Growing up in the 1970s meant living in a world with a kind of freedom kids today can hardly imagine. Life felt both simpler and wildly adventurous. This decade evokes images of bold colors, iconic pop culture, and some of the most far out music we’ve ever heard. It was a decade of vinyl records spinning in living rooms, emitting a constant flow of disco, rock, and soul. Saturday morning cartoons blared from the TV, shag carpeting was always underfoot, and no one worried about seatbelts or the occasional drink while pregnant.
But what truly defined a ’70s childhood were the shared experiences, back in a time when monoculture reigned supreme. Certain cultural references instantly transport you back to being a kid, like banana-seat bikes, yo-yos, or Johnny Carson. In a time before smartphones and social media, the decade offered endless ways to play, explore, and grow, when every kid on the block seemed to be outside until dusk settled in. Join us on a groovy trip back in time as we revisit what made growing up in the ’70s truly one of a kind.
Going Trick-or-Treating Without Parents
Most kids went trick-or-treating on Halloween without their parents.
Watching TV Stations Go Off the Air
Television programming went off the air in the early morning hours.
Riding in the Back of a Station Wagon
Station wagons were a popular mode of transportation for families in the 1970s.
Playing Pong on the Computer
Pong was an early computer game that transfixed gamers.
Playing Pac-Man and Space Invaders
Pac-Man and Space Invaders were popular video games in the 1970s.
Going to the Roller Rink on Weekends
Roller skating on Friday nights was a big deal.
Learning All the Disco Moves
Inspired by John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever,” people learned how to do dances like the Hustle.
Watching the Parade of Saturday Night Sitcoms on CBS
Sitcoms like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ dominated Saturday night television viewing.
Never Missing ‘Saturday Night Live’
Families gathered around the TV to watch “Saturday Night Live” which began its run in 1975.
Looking for the Parts to Fix Your First Car
People who knew how to fix cars headed for the junkyard or cannibalized parts from other cars to keep their wheels on the road.
Music Choices in Vinyl, Cassette, and 8-Track
Besides vinyl, music lovers had other formats such as cassettes and 8-tracks to enjoy their favorite tunes.
Going to Drive-In Movies
Families and friends piled into their cars to watch drive-in movies.
Watching Cartoons After School and on Weekend Mornings
Kids who found it difficult to get up for school during the week had no trouble rising early to watch cartoons on the weekends.
Playing License-Plate Poker on Family Vacations
Families fought off the boredom of long road trips by playing license-plate poker.
Hanging Out at Record Stores Waiting for Newest Releases
Kids met at record stores to track down the latest releases from American and British bands.
Piling Friends into Your First Car
The number of friends multiplied once you got your first car and everyone crowded in.
Prizes Inside Cereal Boxes
Cereal boxes contained prizes inside, such as a whistle or a small plastic toy.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ninepence / Photodisc via Getty Images.